M.V. Little League players, coaches and parents gather for the opening ceremonies of the 2011 season on Saturday morning at the Logandale Sports Complex.

By Vernon Robison

Moapa Valley Progress

The Moapa Valley Little League baseball/softball league held its opening day of the season on Saturday, March 26.

The morning event started with gray overcast conditions and occasional raindrops. But this didn’t stop the fun at the Logandale Sports Complex. By the end of the day’s events, at around 1:00 p.m., the sun was shining; perfect weather for baseball!

This year’s league has 22 teams and involves about 230 kids. That’s down a little from year’s past said league official Melanie Vallet. “In the past we have had as many as 30 or more teams,” Vallet said. “But considering how much change has happened in the past couple of years in the community, this is a fantastic turnout.”

The morning started events started out with a flag ceremony performed by the Boy Scouts of Community Troop 118. McKay Wilson sang a the National Anthem. Then the games began.

Throug the rest of the morning players and coaches stood for team photos. A series of practice games were held of one inning each. The divisions included Coach Pitch, Tee Ball, Girls Softball and Baseball. Everyone had a chance at bat and the kids had a great time.

Little Leaguer Emily Lyon gets some coaching from Andy Caldwell duriung a coach pitch game at the Little League season opener on Saturday morning.

Vallet stated that much of the success of the local league is because of parent involvement. Fees to the league are kept less expensive compared to leagues in Las Vegas because the local league uses volunteers for field prep and other efforts.

“We are asking that parents sign up to help at least one shift in our concession stands,” Vallet told the crowd. “If we can get your help volunteering in selling concessions then it helps to keep our fees down to play in the league.”